Piñata Apple and Blue Cheese Crostini

|

It’s exciting to introduce our newest Kitchen Council member, Jennifer Farley of Savory Simple blog. She’s a writer and food photographer/stylist that has a knack for creating gourmet recipes with bold flavors. We first met Jennifer a few years ago when she won a free trip to a food blogging conference through a contest we were running. She’s created several delicious recipes with our fruits, including this one with Stemilt pears.  Since then, Jennifer has been busy working on her second cookbook and building quite the following on Instagram (among many other things!). We’re so excited to work with Jennifer this year and look forward to her sharing delicious bites with our in-season fruits with you all year long. Jennifer’s first Stem post uses our crisp and juicy Pinata apples in a tasty appetizer with just a few ingredients. Enjoy!

Whether I’m having a large party or a smaller, more intimate gathering, I love serving crostini to my guests. There’s very little fuss involved. It’s an appetizer than can be prepared and plated in advance, and it can be served warm or at room temperature. How great is that? It’s finger food, so no utensils are needed and people can enjoy it alongside a glass of wine or whatever beverages are being served. This Caramelized Pinata Apple and Blue Cheese Crostini recipe pairs especially well with a fruity white wine such as sauvignon blanc.

Stemilt’s signature Pinata apple is perfect for caramelizing. The skin is naturally thin, so you don’t need to bother peeling it (in fact, the peel adds a wonderful texture and pop of color to the crostini). The crispness of the apple holds up well in a hot pan, keeping the apple from softening up too much while caramelizing. If you’re comfortable with a knife and can cut very thin slices, one apple is more than enough for this recipe (you could also use a mandolin). If you want to cut thicker slices, or you just want to have backup ingredients to be on the safe side, keep an extra Pinata apple on standby.

I highly recommend using a good quality blue cheese in this recipe; nothing pre-crumbled. My personal favorite is Roquefort. When you have a dish with so few ingredients, it’s very important that every component be the very best it can be. You will taste everything in the final crostini- the crunchy French baguette, the salty blue cheese, the butter, and the sweet Pinata apple. Make each ingredient count and your guests will be amazed!

Piñata Apple and Blue Cheese Crostini

Ingredients

  • 1 French baguette, sliced thin on the bias
  • optional: 1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/3-1/2 cup good quality blue cheese, such as Roquefort or Stilton, room temperature
  • 1-2 Pinata apples
  • 1 tbsp unsalted butter

These no-fuss crostinis combine tangy blue cheese with perfectly caramelized Pinata apples for an hors d'oeuvre to impress.

Rate this recipe:
1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (3 votes, average: 4.67 out of 5)
Loading...
  • Yield
    12 servings
  • Prep time
  • Cook time
  • Total time
  • Cuisine
    European, American
  • In Category
    Appetizer, Side dish, Snacks
  • Level
    Intermediate

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. If using, lightly brush each slice of baguette with olive oil (the oil will add flavor and richness). Spread the bread in a single layer on a large baking sheet and toast in the oven until crisp and golden, 10-15 minutes. Allow to cool.
  3. Once the crostini has cooled, spread a thin layer of blue cheese on each slice.
  4. WIthout peeling, core the apple and cut it in half from stem to tip. Place each half flat on a cutting board and slice very thinly.
  5. Heat a large skillet (preferably nonstick) over medium-high heat, and add 1/2 tablespoon butter. When the butter begins to sizzle, add half of the apple slices and allow them to caramelize, turning periodically so that they brown on both sides.
  6. Once the apple slices have softened and caramelized, remove them from the pan and set aside. Repeat with the remaining 1/2 tablespoon butter and apple slices.
  7. Top each crostini with 1-2 apple slices. Serve warm or at room temperature.

(Note: for best results, don’t overcrowd the skillet. The apples can be done in 4 batches instead of 2 if necessary).

    Nutritional Information

    Per Serving

    • Calories: 253
    • Fat Content: 6.2g
    • Cholesterol Content: 7mg
    • Sodium Content: 502mg
    • Carbohydrate Content: 41.4g
    • Fiber Content: 2.4g
    • Sugar Content: 5.5g
    • Protein Content: 8.8g

    Share